Thursday May 2, Geertruidenberg Holland

Spotted this bike on our morning walk, typically Dutch bike
with its high handlebars. Loved the paint job and the model was
called "Granny". €150 or about NZ$280

Channel crossing yesterday was an absolute breeze…whew. Had a really good night parked beside the water and woke to find a few more campers had parked up as well. Down to the ferry by seven and for the first time on our travels in Europe, as we were going through customs we were asked to leave the van and were frisked as well as an inspection of the motorhome. Everyone else boarding had the same procedure so they are certainly tightening up.

We had booked a cabin and it was good to settle in, feet up on the bed and relax for the 7 hour crossing, watching TV and reading. We set off and it was dead calm, and it stayed that way for the whole trip. No need for sea sickness tablets this time! We have found the food on the boat to be pretty mediocre and very expensive so this time I packed some sandwiches and snacks, so much better.

Arrived at the Hook of Holland at 5.30, decided to park up for half and hour to wait for the evening traffic to ease and had a very pleasant walk, although a bit brisk with temperatures less than 10 degrees. Then it was a very easy trip to the marina, Jilly behaved as did the navigator with no wrong turnings. This is the fourth time we have stayed here, and for €12 a night its such good value as it includes electricity connection, high speed wifi as well as super clean facilities and washing machines.

Woke (rather late) to a grey, breezy, cool day. After a very leisurely breakfast it was time for Ian to tackle the ongoing issues with the water system. It was a lot better but there was still a small leak so he once again pulled the cupboards out, although with all the practice he is managing to do it a lot easier. After tightening up the hose clips we waited and watched and finally all good. Fingers crossed that will be the end of the issues!

Wrapped up warm and we walked into the old village centre to get some bread at the really nice bakery, meandered around the streets and felt some spots of rain so a hurried trip back to the van. The drizzle has hung around for the afternoon, good chance to do a load of washing and get things sorted in the cupboards…and a relax.
Found out how to load a map of our location....must try and do it more often!

The Channel doesn't get any better!

View through the cabin window of the wind farms in the
Channel - they weren't moving!!!

A wander along the shore after we got off the ferry - it is in
the distance.

Spot Ruakiwi

Delightful lady in the bakery. Had a long chat as she spoke
very good English and told us about her niece who had been
to New Zealand!

A great setup, spoke to the owner, he was a builder and fell 5m,
so this is his wheels as he can't drive a vehicle anymore.
And it is electric assist.

Very tempting.

 

 Quite a good idea for Lake Tarawera???